Apparatus which causes a device to print an image after communication with the device via a short distance wireless communication

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a communication unit which communicates with a communication device, and can write data received from the communication device in a memory. The apparatus receives an operation request to the apparatus from the communication device, and stores the received operation request in the memory. The apparatus has a function of specifying a function corresponding to the operation request of a plurality of functions included in the apparatus in a state in which the operation request is stored in the memory. When the function is specified, and is not activated, the apparatus activates the function, and controls the activated function.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and asystem which cooperates with that image processing apparatus and, moreparticularly, to an image processing apparatus capable ofcommunications, and a system which cooperates with that image processingapparatus.

Description of the Related Art

Some printing apparatuses which incorporate a wireless communicationsystem can be switched to a plurality of operation modes according tostates and operations. The operation modes include a normal operationmode in which predetermined electric power is supplied, a power savingmode in which electric power lower than the normal operation mode issupplied, a soft power-OFF mode in which electric power lower than thepower saving mode is supplied, and an AC-OFF mode in which electricpower is not supplied at all.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-44092 discloses an arrangement inwhich when an NFC device receives a data read/write request for aninformation processing apparatus in a power saving mode from acommunication terminal, the information processing apparatus isactivated in response to a request from the NFC device.

A case will be examined wherein in a state in which an NFC device isconnected to the aforementioned printing apparatus and the printingapparatus is set in the power saving mode or soft power-OFF mode, andthe technique of patent literature 1 is applied. For example, when theprinting apparatus in a mode such as the power saving mode, which isdifferent from the normal operation mode, is accessed by the NFC device,electric power is supplied to that apparatus to activate the apparatusso as to exchange data. In this case, since electric power is alwayssupplied to the apparatus to activate that apparatus even in a case inwhich power activation is not required, wasteful electric power isconsumed.

The present invention provides an image processing apparatus whichexchanges data with a communication device without wasting consumptionpower.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatusaccording to the present invention comprises the following arrangement.That is, an apparatus comprising: a communication unit whichcommunicates with a communication device, and is configured to writedata received from the communication device in a memory; a storage unitconfigured to receive an operation request to the apparatus by thecommunication unit from the communication device, and to store theoperation request in the memory; a specifying unit configured to specifya function corresponding to the operation request of a plurality offunctions included in the apparatus in a state in which the storage unitstores the operation request in the memory; and a control unitconfigured to activate, when the specifying unit specifies the functionand that function is not activated, the function, and to control theactivated function.

According to the present invention, the image processing apparatus canexchange data with the communication device without wasting consumptionpower.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to theattached drawings).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of awireless communication system;

FIG. 2 is a view showing the outer appearance of a portablecommunication terminal apparatus;

FIG. 3A is a view showing the outer appearance of an MFP;

FIG. 3B is a view showing the outer appearance of the MFP;

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of an operation unit of the MFP;

FIG. 5A is a conceptual view of a passive mode in NFC communications;

FIG. 5B is a conceptual view of the passive mode in NFC communications;

FIG. 6A is a conceptual view of an active mode in NFC communications;

FIG. 6B is a conceptual view of the active mode in NFC communications;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the portablecommunication terminal apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the MFP;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of an NFCunit;

FIG. 10A is a view showing an example of the UI configuration of theMFP;

FIG. 10B is a view showing an example of the UI configuration of theMFP;

FIG. 11 is a view showing the configuration of a RAM of the MFP;

FIG. 12 is a view showing the configuration of a nonvolatile memory ofthe MFP;

FIG. 13 is a view showing the configuration of an NFC memory of the MFP;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart required for the NFC unit to operate as aninitiator;

FIG. 15 is a chart showing the data exchange sequence in the passivemode;

FIG. 16 is a chart showing the data exchange sequence in the activemode;

FIG. 17 is a table showing an example of a communication packet of adata exchange request;

FIG. 18A is a view showing an example of a UI of a printer application;

FIG. 18B is a view showing an example of a UI of the printerapplication;

FIG. 18C is a view showing an example of a UI of the printerapplication;

FIG. 18D is a view showing an example of a UI of the printerapplication;

FIG. 18E is a view showing an example of a UI of the printerapplication;

FIG. 18F is a view showing an example of a UI of the printerapplication;

FIG. 18G is a view showing an example of a UI of the printerapplication;

FIG. 18H is a view showing an example of a UI of the printerapplication;

FIG. 18I is a view showing an example of a UI of the printerapplication;

FIG. 19A is a flowchart executed when an activation request is receivedfrom the portable communication terminal apparatus;

FIG. 19B is a flowchart executed when an activation request is receivedfrom the portable communication terminal apparatus;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of an apparatus setting change when a normaloperation mode state is not set;

FIG. 21A is a flowchart of a print instruction when a normal operationmode state is not set;

FIG. 21B is a flowchart of a print instruction when a normal operationmode state is not set;

FIG. 22A is a flowchart of a scan instruction when a normal operationmode state is not set;

FIG. 22B is a flowchart of a scan instruction when a normal operationmode state is not set;

FIG. 23A is a flowchart of a copy instruction when a normal operationmode state is not set;

FIG. 23B is a flowchart of a copy instruction when a normal operationmode state is not set;

FIG. 24A is a flowchart of a FAX instruction when a normal operationmode state is not set; and

FIG. 24B is a flowchart of a FAX instruction when a normal operationmode state is not set.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be exemplarily described indetail hereinafter with reference to the drawings. However, relativelayouts of components, display screens, and the like described in theembodiment do not limit the scope of the present invention unlessotherwise specified.

This embodiment will explain an example in which a communicationapparatus and image processing apparatus exchange data using a shortdistance wireless communication method, and a startup (power activation)method of the image processing apparatus is changed in response to anoperation request of the communication apparatus. More specifically, atechnique for making data exchange via short distance wirelesscommunications such as NFC (Near Field Communication), and changing aactivation method of the image communication apparatus in response to anoperation request of the communication apparatus or according to a stateof the apparatus will be described.

Note that the short distance wireless communication means a wirelesscommunication represented by the NFC, a communication range of which isa relatively small predetermined range (for example, 1 m to several cm).

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a wireless communication system.

A portable communication terminal apparatus 200 is connected to amulti-function printer (to be abbreviated as an MFP hereinafter) 300which includes print, scan, FAX, and copy modes as an image processingapparatus. The portable communication terminal apparatus 200 includes atleast two types of wireless communication units having differentauthentication methods and communication speeds. The portablecommunication terminal apparatus 200 is not particularly limited. Forexample, a personal information terminal such as a PDA (Personal DigitalAssistant), mobile phone, digital camera, and the like may be used aslong as they can handle files to be printed.

The MFP 300 includes a reading function of reading a document placed ona platen, and a print function using a printing unit such as an inkjetprinter, and may also include a FAX function and telephone function.

Both of the portable communication terminal apparatus 200 and MFP 300have short distance wireless communication units using the NFC. Evenwhen no electric power is supplied to the portable communicationterminal apparatus 200, when the portable communication terminalapparatus 200 is moved closer to the MFP 300 within a predetermineddistance range that allows the NFC communications, short distancewireless communications can be made. The MFP 300 may be connected to anexternal network, personal computer, and display via a communicationunit different from the NFC.

FIG. 2 shows the outer appearance of the portable communication terminalapparatus 200.

This embodiment will exemplify a smartphone. The “smartphone” means amulti-function mobile phone which incorporates a camera, networkbrowser, mail function, and the like in addition to functions of amobile phone. An NFC unit 201 as a short distance wireless communicationunit is a unit required to make communications using the NFC. When theNFC unit 201 is moved closer to a partner NFC unit within apredetermined distance range (for example, about 10 cm), they cancommunicate with each other in practice.

A WLAN unit 202 is a unit required to make communications via a WLAN,and is arranged inside the portable communication terminal apparatus200. A display unit 203 is, for example, a display including an LCD typedisplay mechanism. An operation unit 204 includes a touch panel typeoperation mechanism, and detects pressing information of the user. As arepresentative operation method, the display unit 203 displays buttonicons and a software keyboard, and the user presses the operation unit204, thus issuing a button pressing event. A power key 205 is used toturn on/off a power supply.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show the outer appearance of the MFP 300.

This embodiment will exemplify the MFP (Multi Function Printer) havingthe reading function (scanner). In FIG. 3A, a platen 301 is a glass-liketransparent table, which is used to read a document placed on itselfusing a scanner. A document cover 302 is a cover required to preventreading light from externally leaking at the time of reading by thescanner. A printing sheet insertion port 303 is an insertion port onwhich paper sheets of various sizes are set. Paper sheets set on theprinting sheet insertion port 303 are conveyed one by one to a printingunit, and are discharged from a printing sheet discharge port 304 aftera desired printing operation.

In FIG. 3B, an operation/display unit 305 and NFC unit 306 are arrangedon an upper portion of the platen 302. The operation/display unit 305will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 4. The NFC unit306 is a unit required to make short distance wireless communications,and is a place where the portable communication terminal apparatus 200is approximated to the MFP 300. A predetermined distance (about 10 cm)from the NFC unit 306 is an effective distance of a contact. A WLANantenna 307 is required to make WLAN communications, and is embedded.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the operation/display unit 305.

A display unit 406 is a display screen used to display images and a userinterface such as an operation menu, and includes, for example, a dotmatrix LCD. Arrow keys 401 are used for operations such as cursormovements on the display unit 406. A set key 402 is a key used to make asetting input. A function key 403 is used for operations such asfunction settings. A start key 404 is used to issue a function executioninstruction such as a print start instruction.

The NFC communications will be described below. When proximitycommunications are made using the NFC units, an apparatus which outputsan RF (Radio Frequency) field first to initiate a communication iscalled an initiator. Also, an apparatus which responds to a commandissued by the initiator to communicate with the initiator is called atarget.

A communication mode of the NFC unit includes a passive mode and activemode. In the passive mode, the target responds to a command of theinitiator by performing load modulation. On the other hand, in theactive mode, the target responds to a command of the initiator by an RFfield generated by the target itself.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are conceptual views of the passive mode in the NFCcommunications.

When data 504 is transmitted from an initiator 501 to a target 502 inthe passive mode, as shown in FIG. 5A, the initiator 501 generates an RFfield 503. The initiator 501 transmits the data 504 to the target 502 bymodulating the RF field 503 by itself.

Also, when data 508 is transferred from a target 506 to an initiator 505in the passive mode, as shown in FIG. 5B, the initiator 505 generates anRF field 507 in the same manner as in FIG. 5A. The target 506 performsload modulation with respect to the RF field 507, thereby transmittingthe data 508 to the initiator 505.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are conceptual views of the active mode in the NFCcommunications.

When data 604 is transmitted from an initiator 601 to a target 602 inthe active mode, as shown in FIG. 6A, the initiator 601 generates an RFfield 603. The initiator 601 transmits the data 604 to the target 602 bymodulating the RF field 603 by itself. After completion of the datatransmission, the initiator 601 stops outputting the RF field 603.

On the other hand, when data 608 is transmitted from a target 608 to aninitiator 605 in the active mode, as shown in FIG. 6B, the target 606generates an RF field 607. The target 606 transmits the data 608 by theRF field 607 generated by itself, and stops outputting the RF field 607after completion of the transmission.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the portablecommunication terminal apparatus 200.

The portable communication terminal apparatus 200 includes a main board701 which executes main control of the apparatus itself, a WLAN unit 717which makes WLAN communications, an NFC unit 718 which makes NFCcommunications, and a BT unit 721 which makes Bluetooth® communications.

In the main board 701, a CPU 702 is a system control unit, and controlsthe overall portable communication terminal apparatus 200. A ROM 703stores control programs to be executed by the CPU 702, embeddedoperating system (OS) program, and the like. In this embodiment,respective control programs stored in the ROM 703 implement softwarecontrol such as scheduling and task switching under the management ofthe embedded OS stored in the ROM 703.

A RAM 704 includes an SRAM (Static RAM) or the like, stores data such asprogram control variables, also stores data such as setting valuesregistered by the user and management data of the portable communicationterminal apparatus 200, and is assured with various work buffer areas.

An image memory 705 includes a memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic RAM), andtemporarily stores image data received via a communication unit andthose which are read out from a data storage unit 712 so as to beprocessed by the CPU 702. In this case, the communication unit is acollective term of communication functions including the WLAN unit 717,NFC unit 718, and BT unit 721.

A nonvolatile memory 722 includes a memory such as a flash memory, andstores data to be saved even after power-OFF. Such data include, forexample, an address book, mail history, incoming/outgoing call history,previously connected device information, and the like. Note that suchmemory configuration is not limited to this. For example, the imagememory 705 and RAM 704 may be shared, or data may be backed up in thedata storage unit 712. In this embodiment, the DRAM is used as the imagememory 705. However, the present invention is not limited to this sinceother storage media such as a hard disk and nonvolatile memory may beused.

A data conversion unit 706 executes analysis of a page descriptionlanguage (PDL) and the like, and data conversion such as colorconversion and image conversion. A telephone unit 707 controls atelephone line, and realizes telephone communications by processingaudio data input/output via a loudspeaker unit 713. An operation unit708 controls signals of the operation unit 204 (FIG. 2). A GPS (GlobalPositioning System) 709 acquires position information such as thecurrent latitude and longitude. A display unit 710 electronicallycontrols the display contents of the display unit 203 (FIG. 2), allowsvarious input operations, and can display operation states, statusconditions, and the like of the MFP 300.

A camera unit 711 has a function of digitally recording and encoding animage input via a lens. An image captured by the camera unit 711 issaved in the data storage unit 712. The loudspeaker unit 713 realizes afunction of inputting or outputting a speech for a telephone function,and also an alarm notification function and the like. A power supplyunit 714 is a portable battery, and executes power supply control in theapparatus. A power supply state includes an out-of-battery state inwhich the battery has no remaining amount, a power-OFF state in whichthe power key 205 is not pressed, a activation state in which theapparatus is normally activated, and a power saving state in which theapparatus is activated but is set in a power saving mode.

The portable communication terminal apparatus 200 incorporates threecommunication units required to make wireless communications, and canmake WLAN, NFC, and Bluetooth® wireless communications. Thus, theportable communication terminal apparatus 200 makes data communicationswith another device such as an MFP. This communication unit convertsdata into packets, and makes packet transmission to the other device.Conversely, the communication unit converts packets coming from anotherexternal device into data, and transmits the data to the CPU 702. TheWLAN unit 717, NFC unit 718, and BT unit 721 are connected to the mainboard 701 respectively via bus cables 715, 716, and 720. The WLAN unit717, NFC unit 718, and BT unit 721 are units required to attaincommunications compliant with the standards. Details of the NFC unitwill be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

The respective components 703 to 714, 717, 718, 721, and 722 in the mainboard 701 are connected to each other via a system bus 719 managed bythe CPU 702.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the MFP 300.

The MFP 300 includes a main board 801 which executes main control of theapparatus itself, a WLAN unit 817 which makes WLAN communications, anNFC unit 818 which makes NFC communications, and a BT unit 819 whichmakes Bluetooth® communications.

In the main board 801, the CPU 802 is a system control unit, andcontrols the overall MFP 300. A ROM 803 stores control programs to beexecuted by the CPU 802, an embedded operating system (OS) program, andthe like. In this embodiment, respective control programs stored in theROM 803 implement software control such as scheduling and task switchingunder the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 803. A RAM 804includes an SRAM (Static RAM), stores data such as program controlvariables, stores data such as setting values registered by the user andmanagement data of the MFP 300, and is assured with various work bufferareas.

A nonvolatile memory 805 includes a memory such as a flash memory, andstores data to be held even after power-OFF. More specifically, suchdata include network connection information, user data, and the like. Animage memory 806 includes a memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic RAM), andstores image data received via a communication unit, those processed byan encoding/decoding processing unit 812, and those acquired via amemory card controller 516. Also, as in the memory configuration of theportable communication terminal apparatus 200, the present invention isnot limited to such specific memory configuration. A data conversionunit 807 executes analysis of a page description language (PDL) and thelike, conversion from image data into print data, and the like.

Note that the communication unit is a collective term of communicationfunctions including the WLAN unit 817, NFC unit 818, and BT unit 819.

A reading control unit 808 controls a reading unit 810 to optically reada document by, for example, a CIS sensor (contact image sensor). Next,the reading control unit 808 applies various kinds of image processingsuch as binarization processing and halftone processing to an imagesignal converted into electrical image data via an image processingcontrol unit (not shown), thereby outputting high-resolution image data.

An operation unit 809 and display unit 811 correspond to theoperation/display unit 305 in FIG. 4. The encoding/decoding processingunit 812 executes encoding/decoding processing and enlargement/reductionprocessing of image data (JPEG, PNG, etc.) handled by the MFP 300. Apaper feed unit 814 holds paper sheets used in printing. A paper sheetcan be fed from the paper feed unit 814 under the control of a printingcontrol unit 816. Especially, as the paper feed unit 814, a plurality ofpaper feed units can be prepared so as to hold a plurality of types ofpaper sheets in one apparatus. Then, the printing control unit 816 cancontrol to select a paper feed unit used to supply paper sheets.

The printing control unit 816 applies various kinds of image processingsuch as smoothing processing, printing density correction processing,and color correction to image data to be printed via an image processingcontrol unit (not shown) to convert that image data into high-resolutionimage data, and outputs the converted data to a printing unit 815. Theprinting control unit 816 also assumes a role of periodically readingout information of the printing unit 815, and updating information inthe RAM 804. More specifically, the printing control unit 816 updatesstatus information such as the remaining amount of an ink tank and aprinthead state.

The MFP 300 also incorporates three communication units required to makewireless communications as in the portable communication terminalapparatus 200, and a description of these communication units will notbe repeated since their functions are the same. In this case, the WLANunit 817, NFC unit 818, and BT unit 819 are connected to the main board801 respectively via bus cables 820, 821, and 822.

Respective components 802 to 819 in the main board 801 are connected toeach other via a system bus 823 managed by the CPU 802.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing details of an NFC unit used in the NFCunit 718 or 818.

FIG. 9 will explain the NFC unit 718 (FIG. 7) or NFC unit 818 (FIG. 8)as an NFC unit 900. The NFC unit 900 includes an NFC controller unit901, antenna unit 902, RF unit 903, transmission/reception control unit904, NFC memory 905, power supply 906, and device connection unit 907.

The antenna unit 902 receives electromagnetic waves and carriers fromanother NFC device (a device incorporating an NFC unit), and transmitselectromagnetic waves and carriers to another NFC device. The RF unit903 has a function of modulating/demodulating an analog signal to adigital signal. The RF unit 903 includes a synthesizer, and controlsbands and channels based on frequency assigned data by identifyingfrequencies of bands and channels.

The transmission/reception control unit 904 executes control associatedwith transmission/reception such as assembling/disassembling oftransmission/reception frames, appending and detection of a preamble,and frame identification. Also, the transmission/reception control unit904 controls the NFC memory 905 to read/write various data and programs.When the NFC unit operates in the active mode, it receives electricpower via the power supply 906 to communicate with a device via thedevice connection unit 907 and to communicate with another NFC devicelocated within a communication range by carriers (or electromagneticwaves) transmitted/received via the antenna unit 902. When the NFC unitoperates in the passive mode, it receives carriers (or electromagneticwaves) from another NFC device via the antenna unit 902 to electricpower from that NFC device by electromagnetic induction, and exchangesdata via communications with that NFC device by modulating carriers (orelectromagnetic waves).

FIGS. 10A and 10B show display examples on the display unit 406 of theMFP 300.

When a print job is received from the portable communication terminalapparatus 200, a print job confirmation screen 1001 is displayed on thedisplay unit 406. When a scan job is received, a scan job confirmationscreen 1002 is displayed.

FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the RAM 804 of the MFP 300.

Reference numeral 1101 denotes an entire storage area of the RAM 804. Awork memory 1102 is a memory area assured to execute programs. An imageprocessing buffer 1103 is an area used as a temporary buffer for imageprocessing.

A device state storage area 1104 stores various kinds of informationassociated with the current state of the MFP 300. In this case, variouskinds of information include an error state 1105, ink remaining amount1106, next estimated activation time 1107, and miscellaneous 1108.

The error state 1105 stores states associated with errors of the MFP300. Such errors include a low-ink alert, out-of-ink error, paper jamerror, out-of-paper alert, printed image defect alert, read image defecterror, network disconnection alert, and the like. These alerts anderrors are associated with degrees of influence on a printing function,degrees of influence on a reading function, and the like. For example,in case of an out-of-ink error, the printing function is not available,but the reading function is available. In case of a networkdisconnection alert, functions using a network are not available, butsetting changes and the reading functions to be performed by theapparatus alone are available.

The ink remaining amount 1106 stores a model number and ink remainingamount of a currently attached ink tank. The model number of the inktank is updated at an attachment timing of that ink tank. The inkremaining amount 1106 is updated every time ink is used.

The next estimated activation time 1107 stores an estimated activationtime of the next activation timing when the power supply is turned off.The activation time of the MFP 300 largely varies depending on states.For example, a power supply state of the MFP 300 includes a hard OFFstate, soft OFF state, normal activation state, sleep state, and thelike. In the hard OFF state, no electric power is supplied, and when thepower supply is turned on to change the hard OFF state to the normalactivation state, a long time is required. In the soft OFF state,electric power is supplied to some units, but a main program is notrunning. In this state, the apparatus can be activated to require ashorter time than the hard OFF state. In the sleep state, since noelectric power is supplied to units which require large powerconsumption, but other programs and mechanisms are active, the normalactivation state can be restored quickly. Another variation factor ofthe activation time includes error states of the apparatus. For example,when many clogged nozzles of an inkjet printhead are detected, theapparatus is activated for the next time after recovery processing for along time. When the light amount of the scanner is reduced, theapparatus is activated after an adjustment operation. In this manner,the estimated activation time at the next activation timing is decideddepending on the state transition of the power supply and the state ofthe apparatus.

The miscellaneous 1108 stores other device states such as the currentmemory use amount, hardware temperature, and expendable information. Amiscellaneous 1109 stores data other than aforementioned data.

FIG. 12 shows the configuration of the nonvolatile memory 805 of the MFP300.

Reference numeral 1201 denotes an overall storage area of thenonvolatile memory 805. User data 1202 stores information associatedwith the user, and stores, for example, a FAX telephone number,communication history, network information, and the like. A previouslyconnected apparatus list 1203 stores a list of apparatuses to which theMFP 300 was connected so far.

For example, when the MFP 300 communicated with a smartphone via theNFC, the list 1203 stores an identifier of the smartphone. When the MFP300 was P2P (peer-to-peer)-connected to a smartphone via the WLAN, thelist 1203 stores identification information required for connection viathe WLAN. More specifically, when WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is usedfor the WLAN connection, the list 1203 stores WPS Credentialauthentication information. When the MFP 300 was connected to asmartphone via Bluetooth, the list 1203 stores OOB authenticationinformation. When the MFP 300 was connected to a server apparatus via aLAN, the list 1203 stores network information of the server apparatus.Setting information 1206 stores setting information of the MFP 300. Thesetting information includes, for example, menu items such as a printmode, correction information of the inkjet printhead, and the like. Ajob reservation storage area 1207 saves print reservation information,scan reservation information, and the like, which are copied from theNFC memory 905 of the NFC unit 900. A miscellaneous 1208 stores otherkinds of nonvolatile information.

FIG. 13 shows the configuration of the NFC memory 905 of the MFP 300.

Reference numeral 1301 denotes an overall storage area of the NFC memory905 of the MFP 300. To a device state storage area 1302, the contents ofthe device state storage area 1104 (FIG. 11) are copied at apredetermined timing. In FIG. 13, an error state 1303, ink remainingamount 1304, and next estimated activation time 1305 respectivelycorrespond to the error state 1105, ink remaining amount 1106, and nextestimated activation time 1107 shown in FIG. 11.

Note that in this embodiment, operation mode information indicating acurrent operation mode of the apparatus of a plurality of types ofoperation modes is stored and managed in the next estimated activationtime 1305. The operation modes include a normal operation mode in whichpredetermined electric power is supplied, a power saving mode in whichelectric power to be supplied is lower than that in the normal operationmode, a soft power-OFF mode in which electric power to be supplied islower than that in the power saving mode, and an AC-OFF mode (power-OFFmode) in which no electric power is supplied. In this case, since thepower saving mode and soft power-OFF mode are common in the sense of astandby state mode in which electric power of a main power supply(normal operation mode) of the apparatus is not supplied and consumptionpower is low, both these modes are standby power modes.

A job storage area 1306 is used when the portable communication terminalapparatus 200 inputs a job to the MFP 300 via the NFC. A print job 1307is a queue which stores print jobs. More specifically, the print job1307 stores print settings and link destinations to images. A scan job1308 is a queue which stores scan jobs. More specifically, the scan job1308 stores reading settings. A copy job 1309 is a queue which storescopy jobs. More specifically, the copy job 1309 stores copy settings. AFAX job 1310 is a queue which stores FAX jobs. More specifically, theFAX job 1310 stores FAX settings including telephone numbers oftransmission destinations, communication image qualities, and the like,and link destinations to images when images have already been read.

A setting change job 1311 is a queue which stores setting change jobs.More specifically, the setting change job 1311 stores jobs associatedwith changes of setting items of the MFP 300 main body. An activationjob area 1312 stores activation information. More specifically, theactivation job area 1312 stores information indicating a unit (function:a print function, reading function, FAX function, telephone function, orthe like) to be activated of the MFP 300. In this case, the activationjob area 1312 is a fixed storage area, which is assured in advance, andallows data read/write accesses regardless of the free capacity of theNFC memory.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart required for the NFC unit 900 to operate as aninitiator.

Initially, in step S1401, all NFC units 900 operate as a target, and areset in a waiting state of a command from an initiator. In this case,each NFC unit 900 can be switched to an initiator in response to arequest from an application, which controls communications based on theNFC standard. Then, the application determines in step S1402 whether ornot the NFC unit 900 is switched to an initiator. If the NFC unit 900 isnot switched to an initiator (NO in step S1402), the process returns tostep S1401. On the other hand, if the NFC unit 900 is switched to aninitiator in response to a switching request to an initiator (YES instep S1402), the process advances to step S1403.

In step S1403, the application of the NFC unit 900 selects one of theactive mode and passive mode as an operation mode, and decides atransmission rate. Next, in step S1404, the NFC unit 900 as theinitiator detects an RF field generated by a device other than the selfunit. That is, the NFC unit 900 determines whether or not an external RFfield is detected. If an external RF field is detected (YES in stepS1404), the initiator waits until no RF field is detected withoutgenerating a self RF field. On the other hand, if no external RF fieldis detected (NO in step S1404), the process advances to step S1405, andthe NFC unit 900 as the initiator generates a self RF field. Via theaforementioned steps, the NFC unit 900 begins to operate as theinitiator.

FIG. 15 is a sequence chart of data exchange in the passive mode.

A case will be described below wherein a first NFC unit 1501 operates asan initiator, and a second NFC unit 1502 operates as a target.

In step S1501, the first NFC unit 1501 executes single-device detectionto specify the second NFC unit 1502. Next, in step S1502, the first NFCunit 1501 transmits a self identifier, a bit transmission rate oftransmission/reception, a valid data length, and the like as anattribute request. The attribute request has general bytes, and can bearbitrarily selected and used.

When the second NFC unit 1502 receives a valid attribute request, ittransmits an attribute response in step S1503. In this case,transmission from the second NFC unit 1502 is attained by loadmodulation, and data transmission by means of load transmission isexpressed by a dotted line arrow in FIG. 15.

In step S1504, after the first NFC unit 1501 confirms a valid attributeresponse, it transmits a parameter selection request to continuouslychange parameters of a transmission protocol. Parameters included in theparameter selection request are a transmission rate and valid datalength.

When the second NFC unit 1502 receives a valid parameter selectionrequest, it transmits a parameter selection response in step S1505, andchanges the parameters. Note that steps S1504 and S1505 may be omittedif parameters are not changed.

In step S1506, the first and second NFC units 1501 and 1502 exchangedata by a data exchange request and data exchange response. The dataexchange request and response can transmit information for applicationsincluded in communication partners as data, and can divisionallytransmit information when a data size is large.

Upon completion of data exchange, the first NFC unit 1501 transmitseither a selection release request or release request in step S1507.When the first NFC unit 1501 transmits the selection release request,the second NFC unit 1502 transmits a selection release response in stepS1508. Upon reception of the selection release request, the first NFCunit 1501 releases the attributes indicating the second NFC unit 1502,and the process returns to step S1501. When the first NFC unit 1501transmits a release request, the second NFC unit 1502 transmits arelease response and returns to an initial state in step S1508. When thefirst NFC unit 1501 receives the release response, it may return to aninitial state since the target is completely released.

FIG. 16 is a sequence chart of data exchange in the active mode.

In FIG. 16, a case will be described below wherein a first NFC unit 1601operates as an initiator, and a second NFC unit 1602 operates as atarget.

In step S1601, the first NFC unit 1601 transmits a self identifier, abit transmission rate of transmission/reception, a valid data length,and the like as an attribute request.

Upon reception of a valid attribute request, the second NFC unit 1602transmits an attribute response in step S1602. In this case,transmission from the second NFC unit 1602 is attained by an RF fieldgenerated by itself. For this reason, the first and second NFC units1601 and 1602 stop outputting an RF field after completion of datatransmission.

After the first NFC unit 1601 confirms a valid attribute response, ittransmits a parameter selection request to change parameters of atransmission protocol in step S1603. Parameters included in theparameter selection request are a transmission rate and valid datalength.

Upon reception of a valid parameter selection request, the second NFCunit 1602 transmits a parameter selection response and changes theparameters in step S1604. Note that as in the passive mode, steps S1603and S1604 may be omitted if the parameters are not changed.

In step S1605, the first and second NFC units 1601 and 1602 exchangedata by a data exchange request and data exchange response. The dataexchange request and response can transmit information for applicationsincluded in communication partners as data, and can divisionallytransmit information when a data size is large.

Upon completion of data exchange, the first NFC unit 1601 transmitseither a selection release request or release request in step S1606.

When the first NFC unit 1601 transmits the selection release request,the second NFC unit 1602 transmits a selection release response in stepS1607. Upon reception of the selection release request, the first NFCunit 1601 releases the attributes indicating the second NFC unit 1602.After that, in step S1608, the first NFC unit 1601 transmits anactivation request to another target, an identifier of which is given. Atarget, which received the activation request, transmits an activationresponse in step S1609, and the process returns to step S1601.

On the other hand, when the first NFC unit 1601 transmits the releaserequest, the second NFC unit 1602 transmits a release response in stepS1607. Upon reception of the release response, the first NFC unit 1601transmits a release response in step S1608, and returns to an initialstate. When the first NFC unit 1601 receives the release response, itmay return to an initial state since the target is completely released.

FIG. 17 shows a packet example of a data exchange request.

A DEP_REQ command can be returned as a response including arbitrary userdata. Command bytes CMD 0 and CMD 1 required to identify the DEP_REQcommand have to be set to be “D4” and “06”, respectively. Byte 0 to Byte2 are indispensable data bytes specified by the NFC standard. Byte 3 toByte n are user data bytes, and can be arbitrarily selected by the user.A data size is defined in advance by attribute information (ATR), but itis often changed by an FSL byte of a parameter selection command(PSL_REQ). FIG. 17 exemplifies a case in which a command which requeststo change apparatus settings is transmitted. “DEV_SET_CHG_REQ” is acommand which requests a target to change apparatus settings. A datasize is arbitrary, and is defined by functions included in the target.

FIGS. 18A to 18I show display examples of a UI of a printer applicationand setting UIs of respective applications of the portable communicationterminal apparatus 200.

FIG. 18A shows a display example of a UI of a printer application 1801,and this UI allows the user to make apparatus settings, and to issue aprint, scan, copy, or FAX execution instruction with respect to the MFP300. Execution instruction items are not limited to those enumerated inFIG. 18A, and an item of, for example, apparatus maintenance may beadded.

FIG. 18B shows a display example of an apparatus setting UI, whichdisplays a list of apparatus setting items with respect to the MFP 300.In FIG. 18B, reference numeral 1803 denotes a cursor item to the nextpage, which item is required to refer to the next settable item; 1804, achange control of an activation time of the MFP 300; 1805, a change itemof network settings; and 1806, an item used to display an ink remainingamount.

After completion of settings, when the user presses a reservedtransmission button 1807 a, only a setting change reservation is madefor the MFP 300, and is registered only on the NFC memory of the NFCunit 718 (FIG. 7) depending on an activation state (soft power-OFF stateor the like) of the apparatus, thus closing the UI. When the userpresses a settled transmission button 1807 b, setting changes in theapparatus are made irrespective of the state of the MFP 300. When theuser presses either of these buttons, an operation as an initiator isstarted based on an instruction from the application, and a message 1808which notifies the user that the apparatus is ready to communicate withthe MFP 300 is displayed on an apparatus setting application screen.Apparatus setting items are not limited to those, and an item whichallows to set a registration adjustment value may be included.

FIG. 18C shows a display example of a UI required to issue a printinstruction. Reference numeral 1810 denotes a setting item of a papertype such as plain paper; 1811, a setting item of a paper width such asA4; 1812, a setting item of a print mode such as “fine”; and 1813, asetting item of image data to be printed.

After completion of settings, when the user presses a reservedtransmission button 1814 a, only a print reservation is made for the MFP300, and is registered only on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 718depending on an activation state (soft power-OFF state or the like) ofthe apparatus, thus closing the UI. When the user presses a settledtransmission button 1814 b, a print operation is executed irrespectiveof the state of the MFP 300. When the user presses either of thesebuttons, an operation as an initiator is started based on an instructionfrom the application, and a message 1815 which notifies the user thatthe apparatus is ready to communicate with the MFP 300 is displayed on aprint instruction application screen. Print setting items are notlimited to those, and can be decided arbitrarily.

FIG. 18D shows a display example of a UI required to issue a scaninstruction. Reference numeral 1816 denotes a setting item of a scanresolution; 1817, a setting item of a scan range such as A4; and 1818, adesignation item of a saving destination of a scan image.

After completion of settings, when the user presses a reservedtransmission button 1819 a, only a scan reservation is made for the MFP300, and is registered only on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 718depending on an activation state (soft power-OFF state or the like) ofthe apparatus, thus closing the UI. When the user presses a settledtransmission button 1819 b, a scan operation is executed irrespective ofthe state of the MFP 300. When the user presses either of these buttons,an operation as an initiator is started based on an instruction from theapplication, and a message 1820 which notifies the user that theapparatus is ready to communicate with the MFP 300 is displayed on ascan instruction application screen. Scan setting items are not limitedto those, and can be decided arbitrarily.

FIG. 18E shows a display example of a UI required to issue a copyinstruction. Reference numeral 1821 denotes a setting item of a copypaper type such as plain paper; 1822, a setting item of a copy paperwidth such as A4; and 1823, a designation item of a copy mode such as“fine”.

After completion of settings, when the user presses a reservedtransmission button 1824 a, only a copy reservation is made for the MFP300, and is registered only on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 718depending on an activation state (soft power-OFF state or the like) ofthe apparatus, thus closing the UI. When the user presses a settledtransmission button 1824 b, a copy operation is executed irrespective ofthe state of the MFP 300. When the user presses either of these buttons,an operation as an initiator is started based on an instruction from theapplication, and a message 1825 which notifies the user that theapparatus is ready to communicate with the MFP 300 is displayed on acopy setting application screen. Copy setting items are not limited tothose, and can be decided arbitrarily.

FIG. 18F shows a display example of a UI required to issue a FAXinstruction. Reference numeral 1826 denotes a setting item of FAXtransmission; and 1827, a setting item of FAX reception. On this screen,transmission buttons 1828 are disabled.

When the user presses the FAX transmission setting item 1826, thecurrent screen transits to a FAX transmission setting screen shown inFIG. 18G, thus allowing the user to make FAX transmission settings.Reference numeral 1830 denotes a setting item of a paper type such asplain paper; 1831, a setting item of a paper size such as A4; 1832, asetting item of a transmission mode such as “fine”; and 1833, adesignation item of transmission data when IFAX is used. Aftercompletion of settings, when the user presses a reserved transmissionbutton 1834 a, only a FAX transmission reservation is made for the MFP300, and is registered only on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 718depending on an activation state (soft power-OFF state or the like) ofthe apparatus, thus closing the UI. When the user presses a settledtransmission button 1834 b, FAX transmission is executed irrespective ofthe state of the MFP 300. When the user presses either of these buttons,an operation as an initiator is started based on an instruction from theapplication, and a message 1835 which notifies the user that theapparatus is ready to communicate with the MFP 300 is displayed on a FAXtransmission application screen. FAX transmission setting items are notlimited to those, and can be decided arbitrarily.

When the user presses the FAX reception setting item 1827, the currentscreen transits to a FAX reception setting screen shown in FIG. 18H,thus allowing the user to make FAX reception settings. Reference numeral1836 denotes a reception mode setting item. After completion ofsettings, when the user presses a reserved transmission button 1837 a,only a FAX reception reservation is made for the MFP 300, and isregistered only on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 718 depending on anactivation state (soft power-OFF state or the like) of the apparatus,thus closing the UI. When the user presses a settled transmission button1837 b, FAX reception is executed irrespective of the state of the MFP300. When the user presses either of these buttons, an operation as aninitiator is started based on an instruction from the application, and amessage 1838 which notifies the user that the apparatus is ready tocommunicate with the MFP 300 is displayed on a FAX reception applicationscreen. FAX reception setting items are not limited to those, and can bedecided arbitrarily.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are flowcharts executed when the MFP 300 changes anactivation method of each control unit of itself according to the selfstate in response to an operation request from the portablecommunication terminal apparatus 200. In this processing, the MFP 300receives an operation request from the portable communication terminalapparatus 200 (first reception), and the portable communication terminalapparatus 200 receives a response to the operation request from the MFP300 (second reception).

The MFP 300 determines in step S1901 with reference to the contents (thenext estimated activation time 1305 (FIG. 13)) in the NFC memory of theNFC memory 818 (FIG. 8) whether or not it is in a normal operation modestate in which predetermined electric power is supplied. If the MFP 300is in the normal operation mode state (YES in step S1901), it directlytransfers an operation request from the portable communication terminalapparatus 200 to the CPU 802, thus executing a requested operation.

On the other hand, if the MFP 300 is not in the normal operation modestate (NO in step S1901), the MFP 300 determines in step S1902 whetheror not it is in a power saving mode state in which electric power to besupplied is lower than that in the normal operation mode state.Furthermore, the MFP 300 determines in step S1922 whether or not it isin a soft power-OFF mode state in which electric power to be supplied islower than that in the power saving mode.

If the MFP 300 is in the power saving mode state (YES in step S1902) orit is in the soft power-OFF mode state (YES in step S1922), the processadvances to step S1903, and the MFP 300 determines whether or not anoperation request from the portable communication terminal apparatus 200is only an operation reservation. If the operation request is only anoperation reservation (YES in step S1903), the MFP 300 determines instep S1904 whether or not the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818 has a freespace. If the NFC memory has a free space (YES in step S1904), the MFP300 writes reservation information in a corresponding reservation areaon the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818, thus ending the processing instep S1905.

Note that whether or not the NFC memory has a free space is determinedby checking, for example, whether or not a free area of the NFC memoryis equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount.

On the other hand, if the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO instep S1904), the MFP 300 writes activation information 1 in theactivation job area 1312 on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818 in stepS1906, thus ending the processing.

In this case, the activation information indicates units (that is, unitsin the image processing apparatus), a power supply of which is to beactivated, of the MFP 300.

If “1” is set in the activation job area 1312, electric power issupplied to activate only units required to save information (forexample, the nonvolatile memory 805 which can save reservationinformation).

If “2” is set in the activation job area 1312, electric power issupplied to activate only units required for a print operation (forexample, the printing unit 815 and printing control unit 816 which arerequired for the print operation).

If “3” is set in the activation job area 1312, electric power issupplied to activate only units required for a scan operation (forexample, the reading unit 810 and reading control unit 808 which arerequired for the scan operation).

If “4” is set in the activation job area 1312, electric power issupplied to activate only units required for a copy operation (forexample, the printing unit 815, printing control unit 816, reading unit810, and reading control unit 808 which are required for the copyoperation).

If “5” is set in the activation job area 1312, electric power issupplied to activate only units required for FAX transmission (forexample, the reading unit 810, reading control unit 808, FAX controlunit 823, modem 825, which are required for the FAX transmission).

If “6” is set in the activation job area 1312, electric power issupplied to activate only units required for FAX reception (for example,the FAX control unit 823 and modem 825 which are required for the FAXreception).

If “7” is set in the activation job area 1312, electric power issupplied all control units/processing units to activate the MFP 300.

The number of pieces of activation information is not limited to seven,and may be increased as needed.

If the MFP 300 determines in step S1903 that the operation request isnot only an operation reservation (NO in step S1903), it determines arequested operation in subsequent steps S1907 to S1912. The MFP 300determines in step S1907 whether or not the requested operation is anapparatus setting change. If the requested operation is an apparatussetting change (YES in step S1907), the MFP 300 writes activationinformation 1 in the activation job area 1312 on the NFC memory in stepS1915.

If the requested operation is not an apparatus setting change (NO instep S1907), the MFP 300 determines in step S1908 whether or not therequested operation is a print instruction. If the requested operationis a print instruction (YES in step S1908), the MFP 300 writesactivation information 2 in the activation job area 1312 on the NFCmemory.

If the requested operation is not a print instruction (NO in stepS1908), the MFP 300 determines in step S1909 whether or not therequested operation is a scan instruction. If the requested operation isa scan instruction (YES in step S1909), the MFP 300 writes activationinformation 3 in the activation job area 1312 on the NFC memory.

If the requested operation is not a scan instruction (NO in step S1909),the MFP 300 determines in step S1910 whether or not the requestedoperation is a copy instruction. If the requested operation is a copyinstruction (YES in step S1910), the MFP 300 writes activationinformation 4 in the activation job area 1312 on the NFC memory.

If the requested operation is not a copy instruction (NO in step S1910),the MFP 300 determines in step S1911 whether or not the requestedoperation is a FAX transmission instruction. If the requested operationis a FAX transmission instruction (YES in step S1911), the MFP 300writes activation information 5 in the activation job area 1312 on theNFC memory.

If the requested operation is not a FAX transmission instruction (NO instep S1911), the MFP 300 determines in step S1912 whether or not therequested operation is a FAX reception instruction. If the requestedoperation is a FAX reception instruction (YES in step S1912), the MFP300 writes activation information 6 in the activation job area 1312 onthe NFC memory.

If the requested operation is not a FAX reception instruction (NO instep S1912), the MFP 300 writes activation information 7 in theactivation job area 1312 on the NFC memory in step S1913.

In step S1914, the CPU 802 of the MFP 300 monitors the activation jobarea 1312 on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818. If the value in theactivation job area 1312 is changed to a value other than 0, the CPU 802supplies electric power to the apparatus based on the value of theactivation information, thus attaining activation. After that, the CPU802 initializes the activation information in the activation job area1312 on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818 to 0.

On the other hand, if the MFP 300 determines in step S1922 that it isnot in the soft power-OFF mode state (NO in step S1922), the MFP 300determines in step S1923 whether or not it is in an AC-OFF mode state.If the MFP 300 is in the AC-OFF mode state (YES in step S1923), the MFP300 determines in step S1924 whether or not the NFC memory of the NFCunit 818 has a free space. If the NFC memory has a free space (YES instep S1924), the MFP 300 writes reservation information in acorresponding reservation area on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818 instep S1905, thus ending the processing. On the other hand, if the NFCmemory does not have a free space (NO in step S1924), the MFP 300notifies the portable communication terminal apparatus 200 of errorinformation indicating that the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818 does nothave a free space in step S1925. In response to this information, theportable communication terminal apparatus 200 displays an error screen1839 (FIG. 18I).

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the detailed sequence when the MFP 300receives an apparatus setting change request from the portablecommunication terminal apparatus 200 when it is not in the normaloperation mode state, that is, it is in the power saving mode state,soft power-OFF mode state, or AC-OFF mode state. That is, FIG. 20 showsprocessing in a case other than the normal operation mode.

The MFP 300 determines in step S2001 whether or not it is in the AC-OFFmode state. If the MFP 300 is in the AC-OFF mode state (YES in stepS2001), it determines in step S2002 whether or not the NFC memory of theNFC unit 818 has a free space. If the NFC memory has a free space (YESin step S2002), the MFP 300 writes apparatus setting information in thesetting change job 1311 on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818 in stepS2003. In step S2004, the MFP 300 writes that apparatus settinginformation in its setting information 1206 at the next power-ON timing.

On the other hand, if the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO instep S2002), the MFP 300 notifies the portable communication terminalapparatus 200 of error information indicating that the NFC memory of theNFC unit 818 does not have a free space in step S2005. In response tothis information, the portable communication terminal apparatus 200displays the error screen 1839.

If the MFP 300 is not in the AC-OFF mode state (NO in step S2001), theMFP 300 determines in step S2006 whether or not the apparatus settingchange request is only an apparatus setting change reservation. If theapparatus setting change request is not only an apparatus setting changereservation (NO in step S2006), the MFP 300 writes activationinformation 1 in the activation job area 1312 on the NFC memory of theNFC unit 818 in step S2007. In step S2008, the MFP 300 executes poweractivation of units which are designated by activation information 1 andcan access the nonvolatile memory. In step S2009, the MFP 300 writesapparatus setting information in the setting information 1206 on itself.After that, in step S2010, after completion of the write access, the MFP300 reverts to the previous apparatus mode state, for example, the powersaving mode state.

If the apparatus setting change request is only an apparatus settingchange reservation (YES in step S2006), the MFP 300 determines in stepS2011 whether or not the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818 has a freespace. If the NFC memory has a free space (YES in step S2011), the MFP300 writes apparatus setting information in the setting change job 1311on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818 in step S2012. In step S2013, theMFP 300 writes that apparatus setting information in its settinginformation 1206 at the next power-ON timing. On the other hand, if theNFC memory does not have a free space (NO in step S2011), the processadvances to step S2007.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are flowcharts showing the detailed sequence when theMFP 300 receives a print instruction request from the portablecommunication terminal apparatus 200 when it is not in the normaloperation mode state, that is, it is in the power saving mode state,soft power-OFF mode state, or AC-OFF mode state.

The MFP 300 determines in step S2101 whether or not it is in the AC-OFFmode state. If the MFP 300 is in the AC-OFF mode state (YES in stepS2101), it determines in step S2102 whether or not the NFC memory of theNFC unit 818 has a free space. If the NFC memory has a free space (YESin step S2102), the MFP 300 writes print reservation information in theprint job 1307 on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818 in step S2103. Instep S2104, the MFP 300 executes a print operation as designated by theprint reservation information at the next power-ON timing.

On the other hand, if the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO instep S2102), the MFP 300 notifies the portable communication terminalapparatus 200 of error information indicating that the NFC memory of theNFC unit 818 does not have a free space in step S2105. In response tothis information, the portable communication terminal apparatus 200displays the error screen 1839.

If the MFP 300 is not in the AC-OFF mode state (NO in step S2101), theMFP 300 determines in step S2106 whether or not the print instructionrequest is only print reservation. If the print instruction request isnot only a print reservation (NO in step S2106), the MFP 300 writesactivation information 2 in the activation job area 1312 on the NFCmemory of the NFC unit 818 in step S2107. In step S2108, the MFP 300executes power activation by supplying electric power to units which aredesignated by activation information 2 and can execute the printoperation. In step S2109, the MFP 300 executes the instructed printoperation.

If the print instruction request is only a print reservation (YES instep S2106), the MFP 300 determines in step S2110 whether or not the NFCmemory of the NFC unit 818 has a free space. If the NFC memory has afree space (YES in step S2110), the MFP 300 writes print reservationinformation in the print job 1307 on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818in step S2111. In step S2112, the MFP 300 executes a print operation asdesignated by the print reservation information at the next power-ONtiming.

If the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO in step S2110), the MFP300 writes activation information 1 in the activation job area 1312 onthe NFC memory of the NFC unit 818 in step S2113. In step S2114, the MFP300 executes power activation by supplying electric power to units whichare designated by activation information 1 and can access thenonvolatile memory, and writes print reservation information in the jobreservation storage area 1207 on itself. After that in step S2115, aftercompletion of the write access, the MFP 300 reverts to the previousapparatus mode state, for example, the power saving mode state.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are flowcharts showing the detailed sequence when theMFP 300 receives a scan instruction request from the portablecommunication terminal apparatus 200 when it is not in the normaloperation mode state, that is, it is in the power saving mode state,soft power-OFF mode state, or AC-OFF mode state.

The MFP 300 determines in step S2201 whether or not it is in the AC-OFFmode state. If the MFP 300 is in the AC-OFF mode state (YES in stepS2201), it determines in step S2202 whether or not the NFC memory of theNFC unit 818 has a free space. If the NFC memory has a free space (YESin step S2202), the MFP 300 writes scan reservation information in thescan job 1308 on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818 in step S2203. Instep S2204, the MFP 300 executes a scan operation as designated by thescan reservation information at the next power-ON timing.

On the other hand, if the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO instep S2202), the MFP 300 notifies the portable communication terminalapparatus 200 of error information indicating that the NFC memory of theNFC unit 818 does not have a free space in step S2205. In response tothis information, the portable communication terminal apparatus 200displays the error screen 1839.

If the MFP 300 is not in the AC-OFF mode state (NO in step S2201), theMFP 300 determines in step S2206 whether or not the scan instructionrequest is only scan reservation. If the scan instruction request is notonly a scan reservation (NO in step S2206), the MFP 300 writesactivation information 3 in the activation job area 1312 on the NFCmemory of the NFC unit 818 in step S2207. In step S2208, the MFP 300executes power activation by supplying electric power to units which aredesignated by activation information 3 and can execute the scanoperation. In step S2209, the MFP 300 executes the instructed scanoperation.

If the scan instruction request is only a scan reservation (YES in stepS2206), the MFP 300 determines in step S2210 whether or not the NFCmemory of the NFC unit 818 has a free space. If the NFC memory has afree space (YES in step S2210), the MFP 300 writes scan reservationinformation in the scan job 1308 on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818in step S2211. In step S2212, the MFP 300 executes a scan operation asdesignated by the scan reservation information at the next power-ONtiming.

If the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO in step S2210), the MFP300 writes activation information 1 in the activation job area 1312 onthe NFC memory of the NFC unit 818 in step S2213. In step S2214, the MFP300 executes power activation by supplying electric power to units whichare designated by activation information 1 and can access thenonvolatile memory, and writes scan reservation information in the jobreservation storage area 1207 on itself. After that in step S2215, aftercompletion of the write access, the MFP 300 reverts to the previousapparatus mode state, for example, the power saving mode state.

FIGS. 23A and 23B are flowcharts showing the detailed sequence when theMFP 300 receives a copy instruction request from the portablecommunication terminal apparatus 200 when it is not in the normaloperation mode state, that is, it is in the power saving mode state,soft power-OFF mode state, or AC-OFF mode state.

The MFP 300 determines in step S2301 whether or not it is in the AC-OFFmode state. If the MFP 300 is in the AC-OFF mode state (YES in stepS2301), it determines in step S2302 whether or not the NFC memory of theNFC unit 818 has a free space. If the NFC memory has a free space (YESin step S2302), the MFP 300 writes copy reservation information in thecopy job 1309 on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818 in step S2303. Instep S2304, the MFP 300 executes a copy operation as designated by thecopy reservation information at the next power-ON timing.

On the other hand, if the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO instep S2302), the MFP 300 notifies the portable communication terminalapparatus 200 of error information indicating that the NFC memory of theNFC unit 818 does not have a free space in step S2305. In response tothis information, the portable communication terminal apparatus 200displays the error screen 1839.

If the MFP 300 is not in the AC-OFF mode state (NO in step S2301), theMFP 300 determines in step S2306 whether or not the copy instructionrequest is only copy reservation. If the copy instruction request is notonly a copy reservation (NO in step S2306), the MFP 300 writesactivation information 4 in the activation job area 1312 on the NFCmemory of the NFC unit 818 in step S2307. In step S2308, the MFP 300executes power activation by supplying electric power to units which aredesignated by activation information 4 and can execute the copyoperation. In step S2309, the MFP 300 executes the instructed copyoperation.

If the copy instruction request is only a copy reservation (YES in stepS2306), the MFP 300 determines in step S2310 whether or not the NFCmemory of the NFC unit 818 has a free space. If the NFC memory has afree space (YES in step S2310), the MFP 300 writes copy reservationinformation in the copy job 1309 on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818in step S2311. In step S2312, the MFP 300 executes a copy operation asdesignated by the copy reservation information at the next power-ONtiming.

If the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO in step S2310), the MFP300 writes activation information 1 in the activation job area 1312 onthe NFC memory of the NFC unit 818 in step S2313. In step S2314, the MFP300 executes power activation by supplying electric power to units whichare designated by activation information 1 and can access thenonvolatile memory, and writes copy reservation information in the jobreservation storage area 1207 on itself. After that in step S2315, aftercompletion of the write access, the MFP 300 reverts to the previousapparatus mode state, for example, the power saving mode state.

FIGS. 24A and 24B are flowcharts showing the detailed sequence when theMFP 300 receives a FAX instruction request from the portablecommunication terminal apparatus 200 when it is not in the normaloperation mode state, that is, it is in the power saving mode state,soft power-OFF mode state, or AC-OFF mode state.

The MFP 300 determines in step S2401 whether or not it is in the AC-OFFmode state. If the MFP 300 is in the AC-OFF mode state (YES in stepS2401), it determines in step S2402 whether or not the NFC memory of theNFC unit 818 has a free space. If the NFC memory has a free space (YESin step S2402), the MFP 300 writes FAX reservation information in theFAX job 1310 on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818 in step S2403. Instep S2404, the MFP 300 executes a FAX operation as designated by theFAX reservation information at the next power-ON timing.

On the other hand, if the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO instep S2402), the MFP 300 notifies the portable communication terminalapparatus 200 of error information indicating that the NFC memory of theNFC unit 818 does not have a free space in step S2405. In response tothis information, the portable communication terminal apparatus 200displays the error screen 1839.

If the MFP 300 is not in the AC-OFF mode state (NO in step S2401), theMFP 300 determines in step S2406 whether or not the FAX instructionrequest is only FAX reservation. If the FAX instruction request is notonly a FAX reservation (NO in step S2406), the MFP 300 determines instep S2407 whether or not the FAX instruction request is a FAXtransmission instruction. If the FAX instruction request is a FAXtransmission request (YES in step S2407), the MFP 300 writes activationinformation 5 in the activation job area 1312 on the NFC memory of theNFC unit 818 in step S2408. In step S2409, the MFP 300 executes poweractivation by supplying electric power to units which are designated byactivation information 5 and can execute the FAX transmission operation.In step S2410, the MFP 300 executes the instructed FAX transmissionoperation.

If the FAX instruction request is a FAX reception instruction (NO instep S2407), the MFP 300 writes activation information 6 in theactivation job area 1312 on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818 in stepS2414. In step S2415, the MFP 300 executes power activation by supplyingelectric power to units which are designated by activation information 6and can execute the FAX reception operation. In step S2416, the MFP 300executes the instructed FAX reception operation.

If the FAX instruction request is only a FAX reservation (YES in stepS2406), the MFP 300 determines in step S2411 whether or not the NFCmemory of the NFC unit 818 has a free space. If the NFC memory has afree space (YES in step S2411), the MFP 300 writes FAX reservationinformation in the FAX job 1310 on the NFC memory of the NFC unit 818 instep S2412. In step S2413, the MFP 300 executes a FAX operation asdesignated by the FAX reservation information at the next power-ONtiming.

If the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO in step S2411), the MFP300 writes activation information 1 in the activation job area 1312 onthe NFC memory of the NFC unit 818 in step S2417. In step S2418, the MFP300 executes power activation by supplying electric power to units whichare designated by activation information 1 and can access thenonvolatile memory, and writes FAX reservation information in the jobreservation storage area 1207 on itself. After that in step S2419, aftercompletion of the write access, the MFP 300 reverts to the previousapparatus mode state, for example, the power saving mode state.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the MFP activationmethod is adaptively switched according to an operation request from theportable communication terminal apparatus and an operation state of theapparatus, thus preventing power consumption of the apparatus from beingwasted. More specifically, the MFP activation method is adaptivelyswitched by writing reservation information of an operation indicated byan operation request in the NFC memory incorporated in the NFC unit.

Note that the aforementioned embodiment has exemplified the case inwhich the operation states of the apparatus include the normal operationmode, standby power mode, and power-OFF mode, and the activation methodis switched according to each of these three states. However, thepresent invention is not limited to this, and the operation method maybe switched according to each of two out of the aforementioned threestates.

Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiment, since electric power issupplied by electromagnetic induction, even when no AC electric power issupplied to the MFP, information of a job and operation request can bewritten in the NFC memory. Hence, the MFP can judge the contents of thejob and operation request when it executes the job.

The aforementioned embodiment has exemplify the MFP, which executesimage processing such as print processing, as the apparatus. However,the present invention is not limited to this, and is applicable to aninformation processing apparatus which handles various kinds of data.

The present invention is applicable to a wireless communicationapparatus and wireless communication system and, more particularly, inan apparatus which can make short distance wireless communications,establishment of peer-to-peer connection between such apparatuses, and awireless communication system of these apparatuses.

Aspects of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of asystem or apparatus (or devices such as a CPU or MPU) that reads out andexecutes a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functionsof the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method, the steps ofwhich are performed by a computer of a system or apparatus by, forexample, reading out and executing a program recorded on a memory deviceto perform the functions of the above-described embodiment(s). For thispurpose, the program is provided to the computer for example via anetwork or from a recording medium of various types serving as thememory device (for example, computer-readable medium).

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2012-048622, filed on Mar. 5, 2012 which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus which causes a device to print animage, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and a displayscreen, wherein a state of the apparatus is changed from a first stateto a second state when the image is settled as a print target by a user,the first state being a state in which the at least one processor doesnot cause the device to print the image even if the apparatus is putclose to the device and the second state being a state in which the atleast one processor can cause the device to print the image if theapparatus is put close to the device, wherein the at least one processorcauses the display screen to display first information for confirmationof the image and not to display second information for prompting theuser to put the apparatus close to the device for printing the imagebefore the image is settled as the print target by the user when thestate of the apparatus is the first state, wherein the at least oneprocessor causes the display screen to display the second informationwith the first information, after the image is settled as the printtarget and when the state of the apparatus is the second state, andwherein after the apparatus in the second state performs a shortdistance wireless communication with the device, the device prints theimage.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least oneprocessor causes the display screen to display third information forsetting a print setting to be used for printing the image with the firstinformation and the second information, after the image is settled asthe print target and when the state of the apparatus is the secondstate.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the thirdinformation includes a sheet type and a sheet size.
 4. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor causes thedisplay screen to display the second information, in response to aninstruction to the display screen on which the first information isdisplayed.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at leastone processor causes the display screen to display the secondinformation with a sheet size as a print setting to be used for printingthe image, after the image is settled as the print target and when thestate of the apparatus is the second state.
 6. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the second state is a predetermined state in whichthe apparatus can communicate with the device by the short distancewireless communication.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, whereinthe short distance wireless communication is an NFC, and thepredetermined state is a state in which the apparatus operates as aninitiator in NFC.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theshort distance wireless communication is an NFC.
 9. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a mobile phone.
 10. Theapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a touch panelincluding the display screen, wherein the at least one processor causesthe display screen to display fourth information indicating the imagedesignated by the user on the touch panel.
 11. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the at least one processor selects a function from aplurality of functions which the apparatus can cause the device toexecute, in accordance with an instruction by the user, wherein the atleast one processor further causes the device to read an original, aftercommunication with a reading device via the short distance wirelesscommunication, and wherein the at least one processor further causes thedisplay screen to display the second information, after a printingfunction for printing the image or a reading function for reading theoriginal is selected.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe at least one processor does not cause the display screen to displaythe second information, after the image is designated by the user andbefore the image is settled as the print target by the user.
 13. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processorcauses the display screen to display the first information and thesecond information in a same screen displayed by an application.
 14. Amethod for an apparatus which causes a device to print an image, themethod comprising: causing a display screen to display first informationfor confirmation of the image, and not to display second information forprompting a user to put the apparatus close to the device for printingthe image, before the image is settled as a print target by the user andwhen a state of the apparatus is a first state; and causing the displayscreen to display the second information after the image is settled asthe print target by the user and when the state of the apparatus is asecond state, in response to an instruction to the display screen inwhich the first information is displayed, wherein the state of theapparatus is changed from the first state to the second state when theimage is settled as the print target by the user, the first state beinga state in which the device is not caused to print the image even if theapparatus is put close to the device and the second state being a statein which the device can be caused to print the image if the apparatus isput close to the device, and wherein after the apparatus in the secondstate performs a short distance wireless communication with the device,the device prints the image.
 15. The method according to claim 14,wherein the second state is a predetermined state in which the apparatuscan communicate with the device by the short distance wirelesscommunication.
 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the shortdistance wireless communication is an NFC, and the predetermined stateis a state in which the apparatus operates as an initiator in NFC. 17.The method according to claim 14, wherein the short distance wirelesscommunication is an NFC.
 18. The method according to claim 14, whereinthe apparatus is a mobile phone.
 19. The method according to claim 14,wherein the display screen is a touch panel, and the touch panel iscaused to display fourth information indicating the image designated bythe user on the touch panel.
 20. The method according to claim 14,further comprising selecting a function from a plurality of functionswhich the apparatus can cause the device to execute, in accordance withan instruction by the user, wherein the device is caused to read anoriginal, after communication with a reading device via the shortdistance wireless communication, and wherein the display screen iscaused to display the second information, after a printing function forprinting the image or a reading function for reading the original isselected.
 21. The method according to claim 14, wherein the displayscreen is not caused to display the second information, after the imageis designated by the user and before the image is settled as the printtarget by the user.
 22. The method according to claim 14, wherein thedisplay screen is caused to display the first information and the secondinformation in a same screen displayed by an application.
 23. A methodfor an apparatus which causes a device to print an image, the methodcomprising: causing a display screen to display first information forconfirmation of the image, and not to display second information forprompting a user to put the apparatus close to the device for printingthe image, before the image is settled as a print target by the user andwhen a state of the apparatus is a first state; and causing the displayscreen to display the second information after the image is settled asthe print target by the user and when the state of the apparatus is asecond state, wherein the state of the apparatus is changed from thefirst state to the second state when the image is settled as the printtarget by the user, the first state being a state in which the device isnot caused to print the image even if the apparatus is put close to thedevice and the second state being a state in which the device can becaused to print the image if the apparatus is put close to the device,wherein the display screen is caused to display third information forsetting a print setting to be used for printing the image, with thefirst information and the second information, after the image is settledas the print target and when the state of the apparatus is the secondstate, and wherein after the apparatus in the second state performs ashort distance wireless communication with the device, the device printsthe image.
 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the thirdinformation includes a sheet type and a sheet size.
 25. A method for anapparatus which causes a device to print an image, the methodcomprising: causing a display screen to display first information forconfirmation of the image, and not to display second information forprompting a user to put the apparatus close to the device for printingthe image, before the image is settled as a print target by the user andwhen a state of the apparatus is a first state; causing the displayscreen to display the second information after the image is settled asthe print target by the user and when the state of the apparatus is asecond state; and causing the display screen to display the secondinformation with a sheet size as a print setting to be used for printingthe image, after the image is settled as the print target by the userand when the state of the apparatus is the second state, wherein thestate of the apparatus is changed from the first state to the secondstate when the image is settled as the print target by the user, thefirst state being a state in which the device is not caused to print theimage even if the apparatus is put close to the device and the secondstate being a state in which the device can be caused to print the imageif the apparatus is put close to the device, and wherein after theapparatus in the second state performs a short distance wirelesscommunication with the device, the device prints the image.
 26. Anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program forcausing a computer to execute a method for controlling an apparatus,which causes a device to print an image, the method comprising: causinga display screen to display first information for confirmation of theimage, and not to display second information for prompting a user to putthe apparatus close to the device for printing the image, before theimage is settled as a print target by the user and when a state of theapparatus is a first state; and causing the display screen to displaythe second information after the image is settled as the print target bythe user and when the state of the apparatus is a second state, inresponse to an instruction to the display screen in which the firstinformation is displayed, wherein the state of the apparatus is changedfrom the first state to the second state when the image is settled asthe print target by the user, the first state being a state in which thedevice is not caused to print the image even if the apparatus is putclose to the device and the second state being a state in which thedevice can be caused to print the image if the apparatus is put close tothe device, and wherein after the apparatus in the second state performsa short distance wireless communication with the device, the deviceprints the image.
 27. A method for an apparatus which causes a device toprint an image, the method comprising: causing a display screen todisplay first information for confirmation of the image, and not todisplay second information for prompting a user to put the apparatusclose to the device for printing the image, before the image is settledas a print target by the user and when a state of the apparatus is afirst state; and causing the display screen to display the secondinformation with the first information, after the image is settled asthe print target by the user and when the state of the apparatus is asecond state, wherein the state of the apparatus is changed from thefirst state to the second state when the image is settled as the printtarget by the user, the first state being a state in which the device isnot caused to print the image even if the apparatus is put close to thedevice and the second state being a state in which the device can becaused to print the image if the apparatus is put close to the device,and wherein after the apparatus in the second state performs a shortdistance wireless communication with the device, the device prints theimage.
 28. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing aprogram for causing a computer to execute a method for controlling anapparatus, which causes a device to print an image, the methodcomprising: causing a display screen to display first information forconfirmation of the image, and not to display second information forprompting a user to put the apparatus close to the device for printingthe image, before the image is settled as a print target by the user andwhen a state of the apparatus is a first state; and causing the displayscreen to display the second information after the image is settled asthe print target by the user and when the state of the apparatus is asecond state, wherein the state of the apparatus is changed from thefirst state to the second state when the image is settled as the printtarget by the user, the first state being a state in which the device isnot caused to print the image even if the apparatus is put close to thedevice and the second state being a state in which the device can becaused to print the image if the apparatus is put close to the device,wherein the display screen is caused to display third information forsetting a print setting to be used for printing the image, with thefirst information and the second information, after the image is settledas the print target and when the state of the apparatus is the secondstate, and wherein after the apparatus in the second state performs ashort distance wireless communication with the device, the device printsthe image.
 29. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storinga program for causing a computer to execute a method for controlling anapparatus, which causes a device to print an image, the methodcomprising: causing a display screen to display first information forconfirmation of the image, and not to display second information forprompting a user to put the apparatus close to the device for printingthe image, before the image is settled as a print target by the user andwhen a state of the apparatus is a first state; causing the displayscreen to display the second information after the image is settled asthe print target by the user and when the state of the apparatus is asecond state; and causing the display screen to display the secondinformation with a sheet size as a print setting to be used for printingthe image, after the image is settled as the print target by the userand when the state of the apparatus is the second state, wherein thestate of the apparatus is changed from the first state to the secondstate when the image is settled as the print target by the user, thefirst state being a state in which the device is not caused to print theimage even if the apparatus is put close to the device and the secondstate being a state in which the device can be caused to print the imageif the apparatus is put close to the device, and wherein after theapparatus in the second state performs a short distance wirelesscommunication with the device, the device prints the image.